Jones College Announces Weather-Related Changes to Homecoming 2026 Schedule
ELLISVILLE, MS. — Due to inclement weather expected to impact the area, Jones College has announced several changes to its Homecoming 2026 schedule. While some previously scheduled activities have been canceled, the college will continue with several Homecoming traditions as the Bobcat family returns to campus for this year’s celebration, “Back Where You Belong.”
Saturday, October 3
Homecoming Day activities will begin at 9 a.m. with the Alumni and Friends Brunch, hosted by our Culinary students, at the Terrell Tisdale Library. Registration for reunion classes will also begin at 9 a.m. at the library.
The 2026 Homecoming Court will be presented at 10:15 a.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium.
The Alumni Luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. in A.B. Howard Gymnasium, featuring recognition of Jones College’s honored alumni, the 2026 Homecoming Court, Mr. and Miss Jones College, and members of the Class of 1976.
The Jones College Bobcats are scheduled to face Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College at Bobcat Football Stadium, with kickoff currently scheduled for 2 p.m. Due to weather conditions, kickoff could be moved to 12 p.m. or 7 p.m. as Jones College administration works closely with MGCCC administration, conference officials and MACCC referees to determine the safest and best option.
The Typhoon Marching Band’s pre-game performance time will be adjusted accordingly based on the final kickoff time.
Canceled Homecoming Activities
Due to weather concerns, the following previously scheduled Homecoming activities have been canceled: Employee Luncheon and Tailgating Cook-Off and Class of 1976 Reunion on Friday and Saturday’s Homecoming Parade and Tailgating Under the Tents.
The previously planned in-game recognitions, including the Honor Alum Recognition, halftime presentation of the Homecoming Court, and presentation of Mr. and Miss Jones College, will also not take place during the football game.
Jones College officials will continue to monitor weather conditions and make additional adjustments as needed. Updates regarding football kickoff and the Typhoon pre-game performance will be announced through official Jones College communication channels as soon as those times are confirmed.
Jones College looks forward to welcoming alumni, students, employees, and friends back to campus as the Bobcat family celebrates Homecoming 2026 and comes “Back Where You Belong.”
Jones College students select Mr. & Miss Jones College 2026
ELLISVILLE – Jones College students Aidan Chisolm of Mize and Annah-Bryce Clark of Sandhill were recently selected by their peers to serve as Mr. and Miss Jones College for 2026. The sophomores earned the distinction of representing the Jones College student body and will be recognized during Homecoming festivities on Saturday, October 3, as the Bobcat family returns to campus for this year’s “Back Where You Belong” celebration.
For Chisolm, being named Mr. Jones College is a meaningful reflection of the relationships he has built and the responsibilities he has embraced during his time at Jones.
“I feel like I’ve had the job before the title,” said Chisolm. “I’ve done the work, carried the responsibility, and earned the trust first—and the titles and rewards have simply followed.”
A mechanical engineering major and graduate of Mize High School, Chisolm currently serves as Student Body President and holds leadership roles in Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America and Phi Theta Kappa. He has also been involved with the Typhoon Marching Band, theater, the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, and Bobcat Brigade student ambassadors.
For Chisolm, however, leadership is less about the positions he holds and more about becoming someone others can trust.
“To me, leadership isn’t about receiving a title and then becoming the person worthy of it; it’s about becoming that person first, and letting the title catch up,” he said.
An ordained minister and children’s pastor at All Seasons Worship Center, Chisolm plans to continue his education after Jones by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Mississippi State University. He is the son of Brian and Jenna Chisolm.
Miss Jones College Annah-Bryce Clark said being chosen by the students she has shared her Jones experience with makes the recognition especially meaningful.
“It is the biggest honor to be selected Miss Jones College by my peers and friends around me,” said Clark.
The Sandhill native is an elementary education major and graduate of Greene County High School. At Jones, Clark serves as a member of the Bobcat Brigade student ambassador organization and has been recognized as a Letter “J” Award recipient.
Before coming to Jones, Clark was a cheerleader at Greene County High School and served as Beta Club president. She was also named second alternate in the Distinguished Young Women program.
Clark is a member of Zion’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church. Following her time at 91ÁÔĆć, she plans to continue her education at Mississippi State University to complete her degree.
She is the daughter of BJ and Amy Clark.
Chisolm and Clark will represent their fellow students as Mr. and Miss Jones College during the 2026 Homecoming celebration on Saturday, October 3. They will be recognized between the 3rd and 4th quarters of the Bobcats’ football game as students, alumni, family, and friends return to Ellisville to celebrate the traditions that remind them they are “Back Where You Belong.”
Back Where You Belong: Jones College Celebrates Homecoming 2026
ELLISVILLE, Miss. — Bobcats past and present will return to Ellisville as Jones College celebrates Homecoming 2026 on Saturday, October 3. With this year’s theme, “Back Where You Belong,” the celebration will bring together alumni, students, employees, families and friends for a week filled with traditions, reunions and opportunities to celebrate the place generations of Bobcats have called home.
Homecoming festivities will begin Monday, September 28, as students kick off construction of their Homecoming floats from noon until 2 p.m. at Industrial Services. Later that evening, students will showcase their talents during Jones Got Talent at 7 p.m. on the Student Plaza.
On Tuesday, September 29, students can take the stage themselves during Karaoke on the Plaza from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Student Plaza.
The celebration continues Wednesday, September 30, with a Homecoming Pep Rally and DJ beginning at 7 p.m. on Centennial Plaza.
On Thursday, October 1, students will put the finishing touches on their Homecoming floats from 4 to 8 p.m. at Industrial Services before wrapping up the evening with Late Night Breakfast and Movie Night beginning at 8 p.m. at the Jones College Cafeteria and Student Plaza.
Friday’s festivities will include an Employee Luncheon and Tailgating Cook-Off from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the Student Plaza. That evening, members of the JCJC Class of 1976 will return to campus to celebrate their 50-year reunion from 5 to 7 p.m. in the C.L. Neill Banquet Hall.
Homecoming Day on Saturday, October 3, will begin at 9 a.m. with an Alumni and Friends Brunch at the Terrell Tisdale Library. Registration for reunion class members will also begin at 9 a.m. at the library.
At 10 a.m., one of Jones College’s favorite Homecoming traditions returns as the Homecoming Parade makes its way through campus. Students will bring this year’s “Back Where You Belong” theme to life through their Homecoming floats as the Jones family gathers to celebrate generations of Bobcat pride.
Following the parade, alumni, students and friends are invited to Centennial Plaza for the Homecoming Pep Rally beginning at 11 a.m.
At 11:30 a.m., the Alumni Luncheon will be held in the A.B. Howard Gymnasium, where the 2026 Honor Alumni, Jones College Homecoming Court, Mr. and Miss JC and members of the JCJC Class of 1976 will be recognized.
Reservations for the luncheon can be made through the Jones College Alumni and Foundation Office by calling 601-477-4145, emailing jcjcalumniinfo@jcjc.edu or visiting the Alumni and Foundation events page on the Jones College website.
Also beginning at 11:30 a.m., Tailgating Under the Tents will welcome Bobcat Club members at Sim Cooley Field.
Attention will turn to Bobcat Stadium that afternoon as the Typhoon Marching Band kicks off pregame festivities with its pre-game show at 1:30 p.m. The Bobcats will take the field at 2 p.m. against Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Homecoming traditions will continue throughout the game. The 2026 Honor Alumni will be recognized between the first and second quarters, followed by the presentation of the 2026 Homecoming Court during halftime. Mr. and Miss JC will be presented between the third and fourth quarters.
Whether returning to campus after decades away or experiencing Homecoming for the first time as a student, the week offers every member of the Jones family an opportunity to reconnect with the people, traditions and memories that make Jones College feel like home.
On October 3, there’s only one place for Bobcats to be—Back Where You Belong.
For more information about Homecoming 2026, contact the Jones College Alumni and Foundation Office at 601-477-4145 or jcjcalumniinfo@jcjc.edu.
Jones College Eula Bass Art Gallery Features Works by Mississippi Artists Through September 25
ELLISVILLE, Miss. — Art enthusiasts have just a few more days to experience the current exhibit on display in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery at 91ÁÔĆć. Featuring a diverse collection of photography, painting and mixed-media work, the exhibit will remain open through Friday, September 25.
The exhibition features work by Mississippi College faculty members Randy Jolly and Dr. Randy Miley, as well as graduate work by photographer Lanie Bradford and painter Nate Walker.
Bradford, a Mississippi-based photographer, artist and art educator, uses photography as a vehicle for experimentation and storytelling. After studying at Hinds Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi, she earned her Master of Fine Arts from Mississippi College. Her work moves beyond traditional photography through techniques including double exposure, photomontage, motion blur and photograms, allowing unexpected moments and imperfections to become part of the finished image.
Miley’s work explores handmade paper as an artistic medium rather than simply a surface for drawing or painting. Using techniques such as laminating, embedding, paper casting, collage and layered paper, he creates works that often incorporate organic forms and natural materials.
“When experiencing my artwork, I want the viewer to feel the energy,” Miley said. “I want them to sense the visual and tactile nature of my work.”
The exhibit offers visitors an opportunity to experience a range of artistic approaches and media while highlighting the work of Mississippi artists and educators.
The exhibit is free and open to the public in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery at 91ÁÔĆć through September 25.
Jones College Announces Homecoming Court 2026
ELLISVILLE, Miss. — Jones College students, alumni, family, and friends will return to Ellisville for Homecoming 2026 on Saturday, October 3, celebrating this year’s theme, “Back Where You Belong.” The annual celebration will bring the Bobcat family together for a day of traditions, reunions and activities across campus, culminating with the presentation of the student-elected 2026 Homecoming Court during halftime of the Bobcats’ football game.
Allie Robinson of Ellisville leads this year’s court as Homecoming Queen. The South Jones High School graduate is majoring in elementary education and has remained active throughout her time at Jones. She serves as captain of the Touch of Gold dance team and is also a member of Gold Rush, Bobcat Brigade, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Lead Team, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and the Honors Institute.
At South Jones, Robinson served as captain of the Bravettes dance team and participated in show choir, theater, Student Council, Beta Club, Key Club, Juniorettes, and other organizations. She was also recognized as an FCA Champion of Character and was named to her high school Hall of Fame. Outside of Jones, she is active at Moselle Memorial Baptist Church, where she volunteers in children’s ministry.
Robinson plans to continue her education at the University of Southern Mississippi while pursuing a degree in education and remaining involved in dance and children’s ministry. She is the daughter of Michael and Jennifer Robinson.
“It is an honor to be selected by my peers to be Homecoming Queen,” Robinson shared. “This is such a wonderful opportunity to show kindness and spread the love of Christ. I want to thank everyone who made this day possible and for giving me this opportunity to spread what I value most in this world—how to treat others.”
Victor Ramirez of Ellisville will escort Robinson. The South Jones High School graduate is a nursing major at Jones and is involved with the Jones College Choir, Jones OnStage and the Baptist Student Union. In high school, Ramirez played football and received the Mike Turner Award, performed with South Jones’ “Company” Show Choir and a cappella ensemble, and participated in track.
Ramirez is also a small group leader and mission trip group leader at Venture Church. After completing his nursing education, he hopes to work in pediatrics before pursuing travel nursing. He is the son of Maricruz Hernandez and Bryant Balinas.
“I’m honored to represent my community on the Homecoming Court and hope that younger Hispanic students see it as a reminder that their background does not limit their potential and that they can accomplish great things,” Ramirez shared.
Student Body Maid Mallory Alice Matthews of Raleigh is a marketing major and member of the Touch of Gold and Gold Rush dance teams. A Raleigh High School graduate with highest honors, Matthews was Miss Hospitality for Smith County and served as captain of the varsity tennis team, color guard and rifle auxiliary, and varsity cheer squad. Her high school honors also included Senior Class Favorite, Senior Homecoming Maid, RHS Most Beautiful, and UCA All-American Cheerleader.
At Jones, Matthews has received the Academic Achievement and Rising Leadership scholarships, along with scholarships through the Touch of Gold dance team and Jones College Foundation. She attends Calvary Presbyterian Church and plans to further her education before pursuing a career in marketing and business. She is the daughter of Jeremy and Shanna Matthews.
For Matthews, being part of Homecoming carries special meaning that stretches across generations of her family.
“Being a Jones Homecoming Maid is a dream I have had since I was a little girl,” Matthews shared. “I grew up watching the Homecoming float make its way around the football field and imagining what it would feel like to be part of that tradition one day.”
Matthews’ sister previously served as Student Body Maid, her parents began dating at Jones, and her grandmother was a Jones Homecoming Maid with Matthews’ grandfather serving as her escort. Her grandfather was later inducted into the Jones Sports Hall of Fame.
“Being selected for Homecoming Court makes this family tradition feel like it has truly come full circle,” Matthews said.
Adding another chapter to the family’s Jones story, Matthews will be escorted by her fiancé, Kaden Luke Chipley of Carthage. The couple began dating around the time they started at Jones and are now engaged.
Chipley is studying electrical technology and plans to become an electrician, with the eventual goal of owning his own electrical business. He attended Leake Academy, where he played football and baseball, before graduating from Sebastopol High School, where he continued participating in both sports. He is the son of Wade and Felicia Chipley.
For the couple, participating in Homecoming together makes the occasion even more meaningful—particularly considering the generations of Matthews’ family whose relationships also began at Jones.
Sophomore Maid Ella Page of Laurel is a speech-language pathology major and graduate of West Jones High School. At Jones, Page is a member of the Bobcat Brigade and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. During high school, she participated in Student Council, the West Jones Swim Team, FCA, First Priority, and Beta Club.
Page enjoys working with children and volunteers with Vacation Bible School programs at area churches. She plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi to continue her education in speech-language pathology. She is the daughter of Matt and Amber Page.
“I am honored to be one of the 2026 Jones College Sophomore Maids,” Page shared. “It means a lot to me because I was selected by my class to represent them. I would like to use this opportunity as a platform to reach students that do not know me and be a light for Christ.”
Escorting Page will be Gabriel Lee Spencer of Ellisville. The South Jones High School graduate is a general studies major who serves as president of the Baptist Student Union and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. He has also earned recognition on the President’s List.
Spencer serves as a college worship leader at First Baptist Church of Ellisville. He plans to study Christian Studies at William Carey University and pursue a career as a worship pastor. He is the son of Greg and Kimberly Spencer.
Sophomore Maid Andrea Castro Madrigal of Moselle is pursuing a degree in nursing. The South Jones High School graduate was HOSA president, Key Club president and a two-time Homecoming Maid and earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy. At Jones, she is a member of Bobcat Brigade and serves as historian of her nursing class.
Castro attends Sand Hill Baptist Church and is involved with the church’s college group. After completing her education, she plans to become a travel nurse and eventually hopes to serve as a missionary nurse. She is the daughter of Manuel and Joana Castro.
“Being selected for Homecoming Court means I have the honor of representing Jones, but most importantly, representing Christ in everything I do,” Castro shared. “I am extremely thankful for this opportunity, and all that Jones has given me.”
Logan Thomas Parker of Stringer will escort Castro. Parker is an Associate Degree Nursing student and member of Phi Theta Kappa who has earned President’s List honors. A Stringer High School graduate, he played football and baseball and served as Student Council secretary and head leader of FCA. He was also a member of Beta Club and HOSA, earned a Tech Master Certificate through a two-year allied health program, was recognized as a Mississippi Scholar, and graduated with highest honors.
Parker is an active member of Eden Baptist Church and serves in several ministries throughout Jasper County, including United Seekers and Summit Life. He has also participated in mission trips to the Dominican Republic. After earning his Associate Degree in Nursing, Parker plans to begin working as a registered nurse and continue his education. He is the son of Thomas and Shanna Parker.
“Jones is a place of joy, kindness, and faith, and I am blessed to be part of this community,” Parker shared. “It is a privilege to represent Jones and the people who have supported me.”
Freshman Maid Erin Ty’Asia Annette Huddleston of Brandon is an early education major and member of the Jones College women’s basketball team. She also serves in the Student Government Association as Freshman Vice President.
Huddleston graduated from Brandon High School with a Distinguished Diploma and a 3.94 GPA and was a Top 10 Percent Scholar Qualifier. She was a four-time Honor Roll student, three-time Citizenship Award recipient, member of the ACT 22+ Club, and completed more than 200 service hours. She also served as varsity basketball captain.
Outside of Jones, Huddleston participates in the Greater New Friendship Praise Dance Team and church choir. She plans to become an elementary school teacher and continue making a difference in the lives of others. She is the daughter of Latoria Pittmon.
“It is a great honor to be chosen and represent the freshman class,” Huddleston shared. “To be able to have an impact and help further advance Jones College is truly a blessing.”
Huddleston will be escorted by Joseph Anthony of Madison. The St. Joseph Catholic School graduate is a kinesiology major and member of the Jones College men’s basketball team. Anthony served as class president in high school and is involved with Unity Fellowship Baptist Church. He hopes to continue his basketball career at the Division I level. He is the son of Kinwana Moncure.
Freshman Maid Mackinzie Cole Frederick of Tupelo is a pre-med student and member of the Jones College softball team and FCA. A graduate of Tupelo High School, Frederick participated in softball, volleyball, basketball, and soccer.
Frederick attends Temple Church and plans to continue her education at the University of Mississippi, where she hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences while following a pre-med track. She is the daughter of Cole and Kiristen Frederick.
“Being selected for the 2026 Jones College Homecoming Court means so much to me,” Frederick shared. “I am incredibly grateful for the community at 91ÁÔĆć, and for the way this school has welcomed me and made me feel like a part of the Bobcat family.”
Frederick added that she is thankful for the memories, friendships, and experiences she has already made at Jones and is proud to represent the College.
Ethan Culbertson of Madison will escort Frederick. The Germantown High School graduate is a business major and member of the Jones College golf team. Culbertson played golf throughout all four years of high school and hopes to continue competing at the Division I level after Jones. He also plans to continue his education at Mississippi State University. He is the son of Mark and Amanda Culbertson.
“Being selected for Jones College Homecoming Court means a lot to me because it allows me to meet new people and get the full experience of going to school here at Jones,” Culbertson shared.
The 2026 Homecoming Court will be presented during halftime of the Jones College football game on Saturday, October 3, as Bobcats past and present return to Ellisville to celebrate Homecoming and the traditions that remind them they are “Back Where You Belong.”